"Bonham at First Bull Run" Topic

I appreciate the help received about Sherman at this battle. Now I'm wondering about Bonham's large brigade of 4,000 troops. I have it appearing at the end of my scenario. But it looks like only two regiments of this brigade appeared at the fight, the rest still watching the Confederate right. I'd be better off attaching the two regiments to Kirby-Smith's brigade, since they did go into action in support of him. Again, thanks in advance to any who can shed light on this.

My figures say 18,000 Union troops got into action against 17,000 Confederates. Everyone else marked time guarding other possible avenues of advance.

vtsaogames,

Yes, only two regiments moved from Mitchell's Ford on the Centreville/Manassas road. They moved following Cocke's large brigade and went into action on the left flank as the Rebels moved down Henry House hill late in the action.
So they were in action before Kirby Smith leading Ezley's Brigade moved into action attacking Howard's Brigade on Chinn Ridge. As Smith sweep forward the South Carolina regiments moved forward now supporting the right flank of Kirby Smith.
Col. Kershaw was leading what might be called Demi-Brigade
2nd SC – Col. Kershaw 6 killed 43 wounded
8th SC – Col. Cash 5 killed 23 wounded
Since Kershaw's SC men still had ammo they were part of the push as the Union passed the stone bridge headed "home" – they crossed Bull Run in follow-up.
As for Sherman's Brigade Artillery, they were in action supporting Keye's Brigade. The Union had the old organization of the batteries assigned to the Brigade, Keye's battery was already out of service as the 90 days was up and they headed home. Some of the Union units at Bull Run were 90 men that only had days left in their service, so they would not have the "fire" for battle.
Hope this helps, good gaming – John

I will let you know Monday as we are doing a big regimental 1st Bull Run game Saturday.

I think the "marking time" comment is a bit harsh. It would be more accurate to say several Confederate units were being held for the suspended attack on the Union left. Some did participate in a short lived attempt to pursue the defeated Union army. Others such as Ewell's and Holmes' commands were marching to the fighting on the Confederate left when the Union forces broke.

Rather than marking time shall we say that half of each army missed the main event?

Thanks for the info. I had added Bonham's regiments to Smith /Elzey's brigade. But instead I'll put them into Kershaw's demi – brigade.

I think missing the main event would be a better description.

At least one Confederate brigade tried to launch the attack on the Union left that Beauregard planned. At least two Confederate brigades from their right made an attempt to follow up the Union army after the battle, running into troops from Tyler's and Mile's commands that had also not participate in the fighting around Matthews and Henry Hills. Two Confederate brigades were moving to the Confederate left when the Union forces retreated, and likely would have been used if the fighting had lasted much longer.